With the recent VA hospital scandal where care for thousands of veterans was delayed, sometimes resulting in death, many of those gathered in St. Louis say vets need the voice of the V.F.W. now as much as they ever have.

"The ongoing problems, current problems, in the V.A. system are far beyond intolerable," says Vietnam veteran and national V.F.W. officer holder Bill Dobbie.

The convention runs for five days. In addition to the Vice President's visit, the acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be in St. Louis to speak to the veterans on Tuesday.